Is Europe offering enough support to Ukraine?

Is the EU doing enough to help Ukraine? 

On 24 February 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine, escalating the Russian-Ukrainian war that began in 2014. The following months have been catastrophic for Ukraine and a shock for the rest of Europe. For EU states, the question is how to support Ukraine and weaken Russia at the same time? For the first time, the European Union is proposing joint weapon-purchasing in order to replenish stocks sent to Ukraine. European countries – most notably Germany – are now racing to boost defence spending.

With the aim of massively weakening the Russian economy and elites, the European Union, together with its international partners, has adopted a series of sanctions packages against Russia. But the sanctions were softened in some respects by the veto of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Moreover, Europe remains the largest buyer of Russian energy with imports worth 57 billion euros since the invasion began, 12.1 billion going to Germany alone.

The war has driven millions of Ukrainians out of their country. In response, the EU has activated protection status for Ukrainian war refugees. Since then, it has taken in more than 3.6 million Ukrainians (as of 6 July). Most of them are staying in neighbouring countries. Is it enough?

What do our readers think? 

You sent us YOUR questions and comments and we forwarded them to two experts! You can find their answers here!

• Manal Fouani, UNDP Permanent Representative in Ukraine
• Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Permanent Representative in Moldova

First, reader Zeynep sent us this comment:

💬 I think that our support does not go far enough. We can’t leave Ukraine alone or Putin will do the same to other countries. The man is insane.

Next, Jakob sent us this comment:

💬 What I found surprising and beautiful was the willingness of many neighbouring countries to take in the Ukrainian war refugees and really support them.

Finally, our reader Leon sent us this comment:

💬 Now it is more important than ever that Ukraine gets all our support.

Is Europe offering enough support to Ukraine? 

Is the EU’s support sufficient? Could the EU do more to share the burden of taking in Ukrainian refugees? 

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